Can we add a different audiobook platform to Rivian?

[R1TBrett]

I use Ilya’s @twraps phone mount and Libby for my audiobooks. My wife just bought me an Audible annual subscription so I may switch to that soon.

With the phone securely mounted I have no issues using Bluetooth for non-native audio apps (Libby is the only one so far that I have used) or dealing with texting by using Siri.

I know it seems like a step backward vs AA and CP but honestly I don’t miss it other than Waze ( which is usually running on my phone while mounted).

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[Frost]

Currently considering the R2 (and others) as a possible replacement for my VW ID.4 next year, but was really disappointed to see a real lack of "native" app choices available given that CarPlay is not an option and you need to pay for Connect+ to get the built-in apps.

Really hoping that apps like Libby and a REAL podcasting app (which supports per-show settings, intro skipping, commercial skipping etc) makes its way into the Connect+ options this year.

I understand wanting to control the user experience, but when your media consumption "experience" falls short compared to 10+ year old vehicles and your only solution is telling people to rely on Bluetooth?!...well that seems a bit odd for a company that is so software-focused.

Is this true? To use any apps on the R2 im considering ( and have reservation) I'd need to pay $15 a month ?

 

[VSG]

Is this true?

No.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Is this true? To use any apps on the R2 im considering ( and have reservation) I'd need to pay $15 a month ?

Connect+ information has been online the day it became a thing. What you pay for is all spelled out. Deal with facts. Not speculation from god-knows-who. https://rivian.com/connect-plus

Pay-to-play is not a new concept. And not a Rivian-exclusive. If any of the included services are essential to you, then you pay to have it. If not, you opt-out and carry on. Irrational and unproductive for anyone to complain endlessly about it... especially when it's only $15/month on a vehicle that is over $50k all-in. I guarantee you all of us spend more than $15/month on non-essentials as is. A single movie ticket cost more than that at most theaters. It's just a disingenuous complaint. Plus, you have option of paying $149.99 annually, effectively $12.50/month. Hell, a box of cookies from the grocery store could cost that much.

It's true that there isn't nearly as many native apps. But that's also a disingenuous complaint and ignorant of the fact that iOS has had way more development and operating time than Rivian's infotainment stack. Plus, any streaming app you currently use can still be played from your phone via bluetooth pairing. And control of that app is still available at your phone, and [if allowed by app] through Siri.

Just like cable TV. If you wan it, you pay for it. If you don't... do you spend time complaining about it incessantly? I hope not. Besides, many iOS apps aren't free just because you bought a phone. Many have monetized features or their own subscription fees. So why is it so different and more complaint worthy when it's Rivian asking for a fee? It's just not rational.

 

[Frost]

Connect+ information has been online the day it became a thing. What you pay for is all spelled out. Deal with facts. Not speculation from god-knows-who. https://rivian.com/connect-plus

Pay-to-play is not a new concept. And not a Rivian-exclusive. If any of the included services are essential to you, then you pay to have it. If not, you opt-out and carry on. Irrational and unproductive for anyone to complain endlessly about it... especially when it's only $15/month on a vehicle that is over $50k all-in. I guarantee you all of us spend more than $15/month on non-essentials as is. A single movie ticket cost more than that at most theaters. It's just a disingenuous complaint. Plus, you have option of paying $149.99 annually, effectively $12.50/month. Hell, a box of cookies from the grocery store could cost that much.

It's true that there isn't nearly as many native apps. But that's also a disingenuous complaint and ignorant of the fact that iOS has had way more development and operating time than Rivian's infotainment stack. Plus, any streaming app you currently use can still be played from your phone via bluetooth pairing. And control of that app is still available at your phone, and [if allowed by app] through Siri.

Just like cable TV. If you wan it, you pay for it. If you don't... do you spend time complaining about it incessantly? I hope not. Besides, many iOS apps aren't free just because you bought a phone. Many have monetized features or their own subscription fees. So why is it so different and more complain worthy when it's Rivian asking for a fee? It's just not rational.

I was just supprised to read most apps require $15 monthly. I did not see the necessity of being "sold" on the monthly subscription. Software price can be built into a $60k+ vehicle without a subscription. Some in the greater world have a philosophical desire to not " subscribe " to everything in their lives.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I was just supprised to read most apps require $15 monthly. I did not see the necessity of being "sold" on the monthly subscription. Software price can be built into a $60k+ vehicle without a subscription. Some in the greater world have a philosophical desire to not " subscribe " to everything in their lives.

Look elsewhere for your next car then... and don't be surprised when you discover they have paywalled services also. GM OnStar was first introduced in 1996, a subscription based service.

 

[Frost]

Look elsewhere for your next car then... and don't be surprised when you discover they have paywalled services also. GM OnStar was first introduced in 1996, a subscription based service.

The fact the AA and AC are not available I was hopeful that there would be additional apps included in the native system.

Of course I'm aware there are many pay walled auto options ( as in my other cars ) and of course I feel engineers and coders should be compensated for their work.

I've been spoiled by cars that allow AA ( in particular ) and AC

 

[Frost]

I'm completely new to the Rivian ecosystem so I'm learning as I go.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The fact the AA and AC are not available I was hopeful that there would be additional apps included in the native system.

Of course I'm aware there are many pay walled auto options ( as in my other cars ) and of course I feel engineers and coders should be compensated for their work.

I've been spoiled by cars that allow AA ( in particular ) and AC

AA and CarPlay is not happening in Rivians. The horse is long dead. It doesn't warrant additional beating. Rivian, like Tesla, chose to go their own way and build a new integrated platform on their own and from the ground up. What you see today in Rivian cars is a work-in-progress and is constantly evolving. Recent addition of Gemini-powered AI assistant is one such evolution. And the system is already much improved since first customer deliveries in late '21 and early '22. More features and apps will be added—just not AA or ACP.

THE END

 

[electruck]

I was just supprised to read most apps require $15 monthly. I did not see the necessity of being "sold" on the monthly subscription. Software price can be built into a $60k+ vehicle without a subscription. Some in the greater world have a philosophical desire to not " subscribe " to everything in their lives.

the apps require data. data plans require a subscription. and most people "in the greater world" don't want to prepay for 10-20 yrs worth of data usage when they may only own the vehicle for 1-3 yrs.

 

[CharonPDX]

Is this true? To use any apps on the R2 im considering ( and have reservation) I'd need to pay $15 a month ?

If you want to use the car's cellular connection, yes, you need to pay Rivian for that cellular connection.

You can connect to a WiFi hotspot (such as your phone) and/or just use Bluetooth from your phone, using whatever app on your phone you want.

 

[Frost]

If you want to use the car's cellular connection, yes, you need to pay Rivian for that cellular connection.

You can connect to a WiFi hotspot (such as your phone) and/or just use Bluetooth from your phone, using whatever app on your phone you want.

Thanks Charon, much appreciated

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